{"id":37630,"date":"2026-01-22T22:45:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T02:45:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/v-j-edgecombe-helps-76ers-edge-rockets-128-122-in-ot-thriller\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T22:45:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T02:45:51","slug":"85816-v-j-edgecombe-helps-76ers-edge-rockets-128-122-in-ot-thriller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/85816-v-j-edgecombe-helps-76ers-edge-rockets-128-122-in-ot-thriller\/","title":{"rendered":"V.J. Edgecombe helps 76ers edge Rockets 128-122 in OT thriller"},"content":{"rendered":"

V.J. Edgecombe<\/b> helped the Philadelphia 76ers<\/b> pull off a thrilling 128-122 overtime victory<\/b> over the Houston Rockets<\/b> last night. Tyrese Maxey’s<\/b> brilliant playmaking and clutch shooting in the extra period proved decisive. The 76ers<\/b> snapped a tough stretch at home with a much-needed win.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Final Score<\/b>: 76ers 128<\/b>, Rockets 122<\/b> (January 22, 2026)<\/li>\n
  • Maxey’s Masterclass<\/b>: Recorded 36 points and 10 assists<\/b> in the thriller<\/li>\n
  • Embiid Triple-Double<\/b>: 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists<\/b> in 45 minutes<\/li>\n
  • Overtime Drama<\/b>: Edgecombe<\/b> made crucial plays in OT for Philadelphia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Maxey Stages Epic Fourth Quarter Comeback<\/h2>\n

    Tyrese Maxey<\/b> took over when the 76ers<\/b> needed him most. After Houston controlled much of the game, Maxey<\/b> orchestrated a stunning rally in the final quarter. The dynamic guard combined scoring and playmaking<\/b>, finding teammates at critical moments. His aggressive drive to the basket forced the Rockets<\/b> into defensive chaos. Maxey’s<\/b> four clutch free throws in overtime sealed the victory.<\/p>\n

    The star guard struggled early against Houston’s<\/b> size and length. However, Maxey<\/b> adjusted his approach in the second half. He began attacking downhill and creating space for teammates. By the fourth quarter, he was virtually unstoppable. His 53.6% shooting<\/b> and 100% free throw accuracy<\/b> down the stretch proved why he remains the 76ers’<\/b> engine.<\/p>\n

    Embiid and Oubre Lead Front Court Surge<\/h2>\n

    Joel Embiid<\/b> delivered a monster performance when it counted most. The 76ers<\/b> center dominated the paint against the Rockets,<\/b> particularly when Clint Capela<\/b> entered the game. Embiid<\/b> posted his triple-double with aggressive rebounding, pulling down 15 boards<\/b> in 45 grueling minutes<\/b>. His 10 assists<\/b> showcased improved playmaking from the center position.<\/p>\n

    Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/b> provided crucial offensive firepower off the bench. Scoring 26 points<\/b> on exceptional 71.4% shooting,<\/b> Oubre<\/b> gave Philadelphia a spark when the stars needed support. His aggression attacking the basket opened driving lanes for teammates. The 76ers’<\/b> front court outscored Houston<\/b> decisively, controlling the boards and second-chance opportunities.<\/p>\n

    Overtime Heroics Cap Philadelphia’s Must-Win Night<\/h2>\n

    V.J. Edgecombe<\/b> made his presence felt during the 76ers’<\/b> crucial extra period push. The rookie guard contributed seven rebounds and four assists<\/b> in 40 minutes.<\/b> His defensive intensity and rebounding prowess frustrated the Rockets<\/b> in overtime. Edgecombe’s<\/b> putback chances in the extended period showcased his athleticism and composure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Stat<\/td>\n76ers<\/td>\nRockets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Final Score<\/td>\n128<\/b><\/td>\n122<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Field Goal Percent<\/td>\n55.1%<\/b><\/td>\n46.0%<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Three-Point Percent<\/td>\n34.4%<\/b><\/td>\n45.0%<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Rebounds<\/td>\n49<\/b><\/td>\n61<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    \n“Houston’s performance was too up-and-down overall, letting Tyrese Maxey get to his spots, former MVP Joel Embiid get to the free throw line, and playing too sloppily late in the fourth and overtime.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Sports Illustrated coverage<\/p>\n

    Durant’s Elite Night Falls Short for Houston<\/h2>\n

    Kevin Durant<\/b> powered the Rockets<\/b> with a magnificent 36-point performance<\/b> on 61.9% shooting.<\/b> The veteran forward dominated stretches of the game, combining with Amen Thompson<\/b> to keep Houston<\/b> competitive. Durant<\/b> added seven rebounds<\/b> and remained a clutch scoring option throughout. His 62.5% three-point shooting<\/b> kept the Rockets<\/b> close in regulation.<\/p>\n

    However, Houston<\/b> faltered in overtime when it mattered most. Durant<\/b> found minimal support from teammates in the extra period. Alperen Sengun<\/b> shot poorly at 33.3%,<\/b> struggling against Embiid’s<\/b> defensive pressure. The Rockets’<\/b> inability to execute offensively in overtime proved fatal. Houston<\/b> shot just 46%<\/b> overall while committing 15 turnovers.<\/b><\/p>\n

    What Does This Victory Mean for Philly’s Championship Hopes?<\/h2>\n

    The 76ers’<\/b> dramatic overtime win signals their ability to execute when matches are tightest. Philadelphia<\/b> improved to 24-19<\/b> with this critical home victory. The Maxey-Embiid<\/b> duo demonstrated championship-caliber chemistry in clutch moments. Oubre’s<\/b> scoring punch and Edgecombe’s<\/b> youth provided encouraging signs of depth.<\/p>\n

    This victory ended a rough 1-3<\/b> stretch on their home stand<\/b> and gives the 76ers<\/b> momentum heading forward. Philadelphia’s<\/b> defensive intensity in overtime proved decisive. With playoff positioning still wide open in the East,<\/b> wins like this become invaluable. The 76ers<\/b> must maintain this intensity going forward.<\/p>\n

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    Watch the Game Highlights<\/h3>\n